Showing posts with label Murder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Murder. Show all posts
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
More info on Bradshaw case
◼ Court document sheds light on McKinleyville murder case
Two people close to a McKinleyville man accused of murdering his wife have told authorities that he made confessions to them about the crime and that he said it was an act of self-defense, according to court documents in the case.
Robin Stuart Bradshaw, 57, was arrested June 12 on a murder warrant, months after Monica Bradshaw, his 53-year-old wife of 30 years, went missing. Robin Bradshaw has pleaded not guilty to the single murder charge he faces, and remains in Humboldt County jail on $1 million bail awaiting a July 7 preliminary hearing.
Monica Bradshaw was reportedly last seen by neighbors of the couple's Dow's Prairie home in late summer of 2008, when she and Robin Bradshaw set off to bury a neighbor's dead horse. She was never reported missing, and her body has not been recovered.
An affidavit for an arrest warrant in Robin Bradshaw's case file sheds some new light on the case against him, and why county prosecutors are prepared to proceed in the case without Monica Bradshaw's body.
According to the document, a person close to Robin Bradshaw told investigators in the case that he confessed to having killed his wife, saying it was an act of self-defense. The person told investigators that Bradshaw claimed he was in the master bathroom of the couple's house when Monica Bradshaw attacked him with a crowbar, hitting him across the back.
Robin Bradshaw reportedly told the person that he was able to wrestle the crowbar away from his wife, and then hit her over the head with it, causing her to fall into the bathtub. According to the affidavit, Robin Bradshaw reportedly said he then hit Monica Bradshaw twice more, once in the head and once in the shoulder.
The person further told investigators that Robin Bradshaw confessed to first burying his wife in a shallow grave in the backyard of the couple's Dow's Prairie Road home, only to later dig up her body and bury it on an undeveloped Danco subdivision off of Fieldbrook Road in McKinleyville.
Two people close to a McKinleyville man accused of murdering his wife have told authorities that he made confessions to them about the crime and that he said it was an act of self-defense, according to court documents in the case.
Robin Stuart Bradshaw, 57, was arrested June 12 on a murder warrant, months after Monica Bradshaw, his 53-year-old wife of 30 years, went missing. Robin Bradshaw has pleaded not guilty to the single murder charge he faces, and remains in Humboldt County jail on $1 million bail awaiting a July 7 preliminary hearing.
Monica Bradshaw was reportedly last seen by neighbors of the couple's Dow's Prairie home in late summer of 2008, when she and Robin Bradshaw set off to bury a neighbor's dead horse. She was never reported missing, and her body has not been recovered.
An affidavit for an arrest warrant in Robin Bradshaw's case file sheds some new light on the case against him, and why county prosecutors are prepared to proceed in the case without Monica Bradshaw's body.
According to the document, a person close to Robin Bradshaw told investigators in the case that he confessed to having killed his wife, saying it was an act of self-defense. The person told investigators that Bradshaw claimed he was in the master bathroom of the couple's house when Monica Bradshaw attacked him with a crowbar, hitting him across the back.
Robin Bradshaw reportedly told the person that he was able to wrestle the crowbar away from his wife, and then hit her over the head with it, causing her to fall into the bathtub. According to the affidavit, Robin Bradshaw reportedly said he then hit Monica Bradshaw twice more, once in the head and once in the shoulder.
The person further told investigators that Robin Bradshaw confessed to first burying his wife in a shallow grave in the backyard of the couple's Dow's Prairie Road home, only to later dig up her body and bury it on an undeveloped Danco subdivision off of Fieldbrook Road in McKinleyville.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
dispute ends in death, murder charges
◼ Brother dies after shooting
◼ Apparent sibling argument turns violent and bloody
A man allegedly shot by his brother Tuesday off Old Arcata Road died late that night at St. Joseph Hospital, and the accused shooter has now been charged with murder.
Ted Kilston Stevens, 49, was reportedly shot in the head by 59-year-old Roy Lee Stevens at the older brother's residence on Ole Hansen Road near Indianola following a heated argument.
Humboldt County sheriff's detectives said that Ted Stevens drove to Roy Lee Stevens' home with his wife, his stepdaughter and his two step-grandchildren, ages 3 and 4, at around 1 p.m. Tuesday. Ted Stevens got out of his pickup truck and an argument erupted with his brother, while the children were in the vehicle.
What the argument was about isn't clear at this time, said sheriff's Lt. George Cavinta.
”There's two sides to the story every time,” Cavinta said. “There was an obvious argument that turned heated.”
Officials said Roy Lee Stevens somehow got a hand-held Taser and tried to use it on his brother, who was able to keep Roy Lee Stevens at bay. Roy Lee Stevens then went into his mobile home and came out with a gun, the Sheriff's Office said.
Roy Lee Stevens pursued his brother and allegedly fired the gun, striking him in the head and knocking him down next to the pickup. He then called 911 and told sheriff's dispatchers that he'd just shot his brother. Deputies responded and took Roy Lee Stevens into custody.
◼ Apparent sibling argument turns violent and bloody
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Taped Jailhouse Confession w/update Murder suspects to stand trial
◼ Tape may shed light on Pease killing
A man charged in the February stabbing death of Eureka man Andrew Pease seems to have admitted to the killing in a recorded jail house conversation with his mother, which was played at a preliminary hearing in Humboldt County Superior Court Tuesday.
James Robert Stanko, 26, in a tortured conversation with his mother, Angela Manfredonia, the day after the killing, said it was him that killed Pease. He had been “driving around” with co-defendant John Lewis Way, 30, that night, he said. Stanko's mother asked her son if he'd killed somebody.
”It was me, man,” Stanko answered, “I don't want to f-in' talk about that.”
...Stanko and Way are charged in the Feb. 6 murder of 36-year-old Pease while he and a developmentally delayed child he was caring for were in the parking lot of Ray's Food Place on Broadway. The brutal stabbing allegedly came after a string of robberies and attempted robberies around Eureka that night. And while in court documents Stanko is alleged to be the man who repeatedly stabbed Pease, Way is also being charged with murder, as the killing happened during the commission of another felony.
Both men have pleaded not guilty and are in jail on $1 million bail. Stanko is being represented by public defender Kevin Robinson and Way is being represented by public defender David Lee.
Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Arnie Klein on Tuesday presented the people's evidence against Stanko before Judge J. Bruce Watson....
◼ Detective says Way wished he'd stopped Stanko
John Lewis Way told his wife that he wished he'd intervened before a spate of robberies he's accused of participating in ended in the murder of a Eureka man in February, according to a Eureka detective who testified he'd listened in on the call from Humboldt County jail.
Detective Todd Wilcox said the phone call occurred sometime in mid-February after Way had been arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder, along with his friend James Robert Stanko. Investigators believe it was Stanko who stabbed to death 36-year-old Andrew Pease in a supermarket parking lot on Feb. 6 after the pair went on a robbery spree that lasted less than a half hour.
Wilcox testified at the Humboldt County Superior Court preliminary hearing that Way told his wife several times that he never stabbed anyone, and also that he wished he'd stopped Stanko before anyone was hurt....
◼ Murder suspects to stand trial
A man charged in the February stabbing death of Eureka man Andrew Pease seems to have admitted to the killing in a recorded jail house conversation with his mother, which was played at a preliminary hearing in Humboldt County Superior Court Tuesday.
James Robert Stanko, 26, in a tortured conversation with his mother, Angela Manfredonia, the day after the killing, said it was him that killed Pease. He had been “driving around” with co-defendant John Lewis Way, 30, that night, he said. Stanko's mother asked her son if he'd killed somebody.
”It was me, man,” Stanko answered, “I don't want to f-in' talk about that.”
...Stanko and Way are charged in the Feb. 6 murder of 36-year-old Pease while he and a developmentally delayed child he was caring for were in the parking lot of Ray's Food Place on Broadway. The brutal stabbing allegedly came after a string of robberies and attempted robberies around Eureka that night. And while in court documents Stanko is alleged to be the man who repeatedly stabbed Pease, Way is also being charged with murder, as the killing happened during the commission of another felony.
Both men have pleaded not guilty and are in jail on $1 million bail. Stanko is being represented by public defender Kevin Robinson and Way is being represented by public defender David Lee.
Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Arnie Klein on Tuesday presented the people's evidence against Stanko before Judge J. Bruce Watson....
◼ Detective says Way wished he'd stopped Stanko
John Lewis Way told his wife that he wished he'd intervened before a spate of robberies he's accused of participating in ended in the murder of a Eureka man in February, according to a Eureka detective who testified he'd listened in on the call from Humboldt County jail.
Detective Todd Wilcox said the phone call occurred sometime in mid-February after Way had been arrested on suspicion of robbery and murder, along with his friend James Robert Stanko. Investigators believe it was Stanko who stabbed to death 36-year-old Andrew Pease in a supermarket parking lot on Feb. 6 after the pair went on a robbery spree that lasted less than a half hour.
Wilcox testified at the Humboldt County Superior Court preliminary hearing that Way told his wife several times that he never stabbed anyone, and also that he wished he'd stopped Stanko before anyone was hurt....
◼ Murder suspects to stand trial
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
"Holy fucking moly." w/update
◼ JN Shootout with at Deputies Ends In Death
UPDATED LINK: ◼ Shootoutwith at Deputies Ends In Death Hank Sims/The Journal
◼ JN Update: Yes, It Was Weed
◼ JN Dead Suspect Was Local
◼ TS Chase leaves one dead, another injured
◼ TS High speed chase after reported marijuana deal goes bad
Updated version of yesterday's breaking news story
◼ HCSO Press Release Shots Fired at Deputies
◼ HCSO Press Release Shots Fired at Sheriff's Deputies - Update
Quite a story - a drug deal gone bad - weapons, shootings, body armor, a chase, a spike strip, a crash, 2 with bullet wounds to the head, 1 dead.
Started right down near Ken Miller's neighborhood. Hitting a bit too close to home, no doubt. Fair enough, live with what you have wrought. Thank you Dr. Miller.
How many shootings, how many killings in the last few months?
UPDATE:
◼ Surviving suspect from police chase identified
A 19-year-old man from Antioch who survived an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head was arrested at a Sacramento hospital Monday for his alleged involvement in an armed marijuana robbery May 11 that ended with the death of his apparent associate David Fields.
Brian Cole Fiore was arrested at 5:15 p.m. Monday and booked into the Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, negligent discharge of a firearm and evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office reported.
According to HCSO information, Fiore will be transported to the Humboldt County jail, but it is uncertain when.
Following an autopsy conducted over the weekend, investigators believe Fields, 21, was shot shortly before the vehicle he was riding in flipped over an embankment along the roadside, and rolled to a stop 130 feet down into the ravine below.
Investigators know Field's death was caused by a gunshot wound, said Deputy Coroner Charlie VanBuskirk, but are uncertain whether death was a homicide, a suicide or an accident.
Fields' mother, Shirley Stephens, identified her son's body at the Humboldt County Coroner's Office the day after the shooting. Fields, who was right-handed, was shot in the left temple, she said....
UPDATES:
◼ DA Press Release May 30, 2012
◼ Route 299 murder suspect set for trial in August; case likely to lean heavily on evidence gathered from getaway car - Times-Standard
◼ Humboldt jury finds Fiore guilty of murder; verdict concludes '09 bullet-ridden, high-speed chase case - Megan Hansen/The Times-Standard 5/31/2012
__________________
This was no plea deal.
UPDATED LINK: ◼ Shootout
The survivor is a 19-year-old male from Antioch. Note below that both suspects sustained gunshot wounds to the head, but the press release states that neither the chp nor the Sheriff’s Deputies fired their weapons.
◼ JN Update: Yes, It Was Weed
◼ JN Dead Suspect Was Local
The man who died in last night’s strange weedjack-turned-police chase — see here and here — was a local, reports acting coroner Frank Jager. He was 21-year-old David Fields, whose city of residence is unavailable at this time. He was definitely from Humboldt County, though.
◼ TS Chase leaves one dead, another injured
A high speed chase on State Route 299 left one suspect dead and another in the hospital Monday night, after the suspects fired shots at law enforcement during a 30-mile pursuit that ended just east of Willow Creek, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.
Shortly before 11 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a report of shots fired near School and Anderson roads in McKinleyville, according to a press release. The reporting party said the suspects were driving a gold Jeep Grand Cherokee and had fired several shots from an AK-47 assault rifle.
The suspects had reportedly been making a marijuana deal at the intersection when one of the them went to the Jeep and returned with an AK-47. The second buyer allegedly produced a handgun. One of the suspects then ordered everyone to the ground in the middle of the street, took approximately 14 pounds of marijuana and left. As they drove away they fired several shots from the vehicle.
◼ TS High speed chase after reported marijuana deal goes bad
Updated version of yesterday's breaking news story
shortly before 11 p.m., eight people met in the intersection of School Road and Anderson Avenue -- a residential neighborhood in McKinleyville.
Godsey said six of those people had arranged to sell 14 pounds of marijuana to the two men.
At some point during the meeting, Godsey said one of the buyers walked to the Jeep and returned carrying an assault rifle. The second buyer then reportedly took out a hand gun, and the two men ordered the group of six to lie on the street while they took the marijuana.
As the two suspects drove away, they reportedly fired several shots from their vehicle. None of the sellers were injured in the incident.
◼ HCSO Press Release Shots Fired at Deputies
◼ HCSO Press Release Shots Fired at Sheriff's Deputies - Update
Quite a story - a drug deal gone bad - weapons, shootings, body armor, a chase, a spike strip, a crash, 2 with bullet wounds to the head, 1 dead.
Started right down near Ken Miller's neighborhood. Hitting a bit too close to home, no doubt. Fair enough, live with what you have wrought. Thank you Dr. Miller.
How many shootings, how many killings in the last few months?
UPDATE:
◼ Surviving suspect from police chase identified
A 19-year-old man from Antioch who survived an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to the head was arrested at a Sacramento hospital Monday for his alleged involvement in an armed marijuana robbery May 11 that ended with the death of his apparent associate David Fields.
Brian Cole Fiore was arrested at 5:15 p.m. Monday and booked into the Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, negligent discharge of a firearm and evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office reported.
According to HCSO information, Fiore will be transported to the Humboldt County jail, but it is uncertain when.
Following an autopsy conducted over the weekend, investigators believe Fields, 21, was shot shortly before the vehicle he was riding in flipped over an embankment along the roadside, and rolled to a stop 130 feet down into the ravine below.
Investigators know Field's death was caused by a gunshot wound, said Deputy Coroner Charlie VanBuskirk, but are uncertain whether death was a homicide, a suicide or an accident.
Fields' mother, Shirley Stephens, identified her son's body at the Humboldt County Coroner's Office the day after the shooting. Fields, who was right-handed, was shot in the left temple, she said....
UPDATES:
Brian Cole Fiore was convicted of the Murder of David Fields, Attempted Murder of CHP Officer Michael Noland, and Attempted Murder of CHP Officer Eric Nelson. The jury deliberated for 7 days before reaching their verdicts which were delivered today. Mr. Fiore faces 3 consecutive life terms in prison. The jury also convicted Fiore of six additional felony counts including two counts of Robbery, Transportation of Marijuana, Transportation of an Assault Weapon and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and Felony Evading of Arrest.◼ Murder trial from '09 car chase heats up; Fiore takes the stand in his own defense Thursday - Megan Hansen/The Times-Standard 5/04/2012
The jury was unable to reach verdicts on 3 other Attempted Murder counts, as to pursuing Sheriff’s Deputies, as well as a Burglary count, and a count of Resisting an Executive Officer.
“It was a sad case, because a young man was killed and another young man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison” said Allan L. Dollison the Deputy District Attorney who prosecuted the case. “However, when you come to our community and bring this type of horrific violence, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law” Dollison also said.
Fiore, 22, took the stand in his own defense Thursday in a trial that's been ongoing since April 9. He is standing trial on charges of murder, armed robbery, felony evasion of a peace officer, transporting marijuana, illegally possessing an assault weapon and the attempted murder of five peace officers.◼ Body Armor, Guns and Life Imprisonment - May 30, 2012
Officials allege Fiore and Fields robbed three men of about 14 pounds of marijuana at gunpoint in McKinleyville on May 11, 2009, and proceeded to lead police on a 20-mile high-speed chase on State Route 299. The chase ended when Fiore's Jeep Grand Cherokee went over a spike strip and rolled down an embankment. Both men were found with gunshot wounds to the head, and Fields was pronounced dead at the crash site.
Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison has alleged Fiore shot Fields and then himself in an attempted murder-suicide as his Jeep went over the embankment. He said law enforcement officials believe Fields brandished an AK-47 and Fiore used a .45-caliber pistol in the alleged robbery and subsequent car chase, in which shots were fired at law enforcement.
◼ Route 299 murder suspect set for trial in August; case likely to lean heavily on evidence gathered from getaway car - Times-Standard
◼ Humboldt jury finds Fiore guilty of murder; verdict concludes '09 bullet-ridden, high-speed chase case - Megan Hansen/The Times-Standard 5/31/2012
Prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison argued during the trial that Fiore knew of the impending marijuana robbery, wielded a gun, shot at pursuing law enforcement vehicles and shot Fields with a .45-caliber pistol before shooting himself in the chin in an attempted suicide.◼ Route 299 murder suspect set for trial in August; case likely to lean heavily on evidence gathered from getaway car - John Driscoll/The Times-Standard
This was no plea deal.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Captured
◼ TS Breaking News Fourth suspect in Sanders' killing in jail
An alleged fourth perpetrator in the February killing of a McKinleyville man was arrested on a $1 million murder warrant in Crescent City Tuesday.
Tracy Joleen Williams, 35, of Eureka was arrested without incident by Crescent City police at 2:30 p.m. on suspicion of murder at an A Street apartment there. She was booked into Humboldt County jail Tuesday night.
Humboldt County District Attorney and Sheriff's Office investigators issued a warrant for Williams' arrest early this month. Williams was allegedly among four people who were involved in killing 30-year-old Ezra Sanders at his residence in the Widow White Creek RV Park in McKinleyville.
An alleged fourth perpetrator in the February killing of a McKinleyville man was arrested on a $1 million murder warrant in Crescent City Tuesday.
Tracy Joleen Williams, 35, of Eureka was arrested without incident by Crescent City police at 2:30 p.m. on suspicion of murder at an A Street apartment there. She was booked into Humboldt County jail Tuesday night.
Humboldt County District Attorney and Sheriff's Office investigators issued a warrant for Williams' arrest early this month. Williams was allegedly among four people who were involved in killing 30-year-old Ezra Sanders at his residence in the Widow White Creek RV Park in McKinleyville.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Good work
◼ Three in custody in Sanders case
Thirty-nine days after Ezra Sanders was gunned down in his McKinleyville trailer, three suspects are in custody and suspected of committing his murder.
Jeffrey Alan Burgess, 39, of Eureka; Ruben Anthony Peredia, 33, of Ukiah and Lukus Larry Mace, 31, of Arcata, were all booked into Humboldt County jail Friday on suspicion of murder and attempted armed robbery, according to investigators on the case....
...The case caught a break late last month when the Fortuna Police Department recovered a stolen green GMC truck. When Garey and Dunn looked through the stolen/embezzled vehicle report from CHP, they found Burgess listed as the primary suspect.
Mace and Peredia were both taken into custody in March on unrelated cases.
On March 13, Garey and Dunn served a search warrant on a home on Eureka's Lewis Avenue for the Sanders case, and took Mace into custody on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
Similarly, Peredia was taken into custody March 1, after he was involved in a car crash on Kneeland Heights Road that led to his arrest on two outstanding felony warrants, and suspicion of theft. In relation to the Sanders case, investigators also served a search warrant on Peredia's Higgins Street home in Eureka.
Then, this past Friday, after re-interviewing a number of witnesses, Dunn and Garey had Burgess come in for an interview, and they said the picture began to become clear.
”That interview led to his arrest for being the primary person involved (in Sanders' murder),” Dunn said, adding that after Burgess' arrest, Peredia and Mace, both already in custody, were also booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and murder for the Sanders case.
The story that Dunn and Garey have pieced together is that Mace, Ruben and Burgess allegedly conspired to drive from Eureka to McKinleyville in order to use a gun and a knife to rob Sanders, whom they knew, for drugs and money. When Sanders resisted, raising his fists to fight the three men, they allegedly shot him and fled the scene in a panic without taking anything....
...Both Dunn and Garey said assistance from a variety of agencies -- including CHP, the Arcata Police Department, the Trinidad Police Department, the Eureka Police Department, the Fortuna Police Department and the Department of Justice -- was integral in making the case.
UPDATE:
◼ Fourth suspect sought for Sanders killing 4/9/09
Thirty-nine days after Ezra Sanders was gunned down in his McKinleyville trailer, three suspects are in custody and suspected of committing his murder.
Jeffrey Alan Burgess, 39, of Eureka; Ruben Anthony Peredia, 33, of Ukiah and Lukus Larry Mace, 31, of Arcata, were all booked into Humboldt County jail Friday on suspicion of murder and attempted armed robbery, according to investigators on the case....
...The case caught a break late last month when the Fortuna Police Department recovered a stolen green GMC truck. When Garey and Dunn looked through the stolen/embezzled vehicle report from CHP, they found Burgess listed as the primary suspect.
Mace and Peredia were both taken into custody in March on unrelated cases.
On March 13, Garey and Dunn served a search warrant on a home on Eureka's Lewis Avenue for the Sanders case, and took Mace into custody on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
Similarly, Peredia was taken into custody March 1, after he was involved in a car crash on Kneeland Heights Road that led to his arrest on two outstanding felony warrants, and suspicion of theft. In relation to the Sanders case, investigators also served a search warrant on Peredia's Higgins Street home in Eureka.
Then, this past Friday, after re-interviewing a number of witnesses, Dunn and Garey had Burgess come in for an interview, and they said the picture began to become clear.
”That interview led to his arrest for being the primary person involved (in Sanders' murder),” Dunn said, adding that after Burgess' arrest, Peredia and Mace, both already in custody, were also booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and murder for the Sanders case.
The story that Dunn and Garey have pieced together is that Mace, Ruben and Burgess allegedly conspired to drive from Eureka to McKinleyville in order to use a gun and a knife to rob Sanders, whom they knew, for drugs and money. When Sanders resisted, raising his fists to fight the three men, they allegedly shot him and fled the scene in a panic without taking anything....
...Both Dunn and Garey said assistance from a variety of agencies -- including CHP, the Arcata Police Department, the Trinidad Police Department, the Eureka Police Department, the Fortuna Police Department and the Department of Justice -- was integral in making the case.
UPDATE:
◼ Fourth suspect sought for Sanders killing 4/9/09
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
The Groh/Giguere trial
☛ TS Groh murder trial continues 3/4/09
☛ TS Neighbor testifies at murder trial 3/3/09
☛ TS Detective testifies in Groh murder trial 2/26/09
☛ TS Murder trial continues for Groh 2/12/09
☛ TS Officer testifies at murder trial 2/11/09
☛ TS Trial begins for man accused of killing his roommate 2/10/09
☛ TS The homicides of 2008 12/31/08
Nobody is showing any interest in this one.
☛ TS Neighbor testifies at murder trial 3/3/09
☛ TS Detective testifies in Groh murder trial 2/26/09
☛ TS Murder trial continues for Groh 2/12/09
☛ TS Officer testifies at murder trial 2/11/09
☛ TS Trial begins for man accused of killing his roommate 2/10/09
☛ TS The homicides of 2008 12/31/08
Nobody is showing any interest in this one.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Decisions. Decisions. And Community Values.
"Gallegos, who said he is not personally a fan of the death penalty, said the process being driven by a local elected official may have its benefits. (☛ TS Death penalty: a DA's decision)
”There's a certain amount of justice which is uniform, and there's a certain amount of justice which responds to particular values and cultures of the particular community,” Gallegos said, pointing to judicial discretion in sentencing as an example."
And what are the values of our particular community? Do we put more value on the life of Andrew Pease than on the two men accused of killing (stabbing to death) Pease during a string of attempted robberies, ...(who) have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted robbery and robbery... at knifepoint?
Gallegos said this week that, in order to make the decision, he plans on waiting until all the case evidence is collected, before having each of the about 10 senior attorneys in his office review it.
”Everyone will individually reach their own opinion,” Gallegos said, “then we will get together and discuss it.”
Gallegos said his senior attorneys will then take a vote. If there's not a unanimous decision among his attorneys to pursue capital punishment, Gallegos said it's unlikely he would opt to pursue it.
”If there's not a unanimous decision in our office, then it's not likely we're going to get a unanimous verdict,” he said.
Gallegos said he only supports pursuing the death penalty in the most heinous of cases.
”In my opinion, the death penalty should only be something that should be sought in the most egregious circumstances,” he said. “Justice and retribution can't be the same, therefore, it has to be something where it serves a purpose other than retribution.”
Bizarre. I didn't know he HAD 10 senior attorneys left, so that's comical. Maybe he really has learned something after all, and WILL listen to others in his office this time. But that is another of his odd statements that don't quite jibe.
What will he do? Death penalty or not? I vote not.
”There's a certain amount of justice which is uniform, and there's a certain amount of justice which responds to particular values and cultures of the particular community,” Gallegos said, pointing to judicial discretion in sentencing as an example."
And what are the values of our particular community? Do we put more value on the life of Andrew Pease than on the two men accused of killing (stabbing to death) Pease during a string of attempted robberies, ...(who) have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted robbery and robbery... at knifepoint?
Gallegos said this week that, in order to make the decision, he plans on waiting until all the case evidence is collected, before having each of the about 10 senior attorneys in his office review it.
”Everyone will individually reach their own opinion,” Gallegos said, “then we will get together and discuss it.”
Gallegos said his senior attorneys will then take a vote. If there's not a unanimous decision among his attorneys to pursue capital punishment, Gallegos said it's unlikely he would opt to pursue it.
”If there's not a unanimous decision in our office, then it's not likely we're going to get a unanimous verdict,” he said.
Gallegos said he only supports pursuing the death penalty in the most heinous of cases.
”In my opinion, the death penalty should only be something that should be sought in the most egregious circumstances,” he said. “Justice and retribution can't be the same, therefore, it has to be something where it serves a purpose other than retribution.”
Bizarre. I didn't know he HAD 10 senior attorneys left, so that's comical. Maybe he really has learned something after all, and WILL listen to others in his office this time. But that is another of his odd statements that don't quite jibe.
What will he do? Death penalty or not? I vote not.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Murder in McKinleyville w/update
☛ TS Authorities seek suspect truck in Sanders shooting 3/10/09
According to information released by the Sheriff's Office, investigators are searching for a Chevrolet four-wheel-drive pickup truck from the 1990s, with a standard cab and a two-tone brown color....
The Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information about the vehicle or the case to contact Sheriff's Detective Troy Garey at 268-3643 or Humboldt County District Attorney investigator Steve Dunn at 445-7411.
☛ McK Press Homicide Update Photo of Ezra Charles Sanders, murder victim
(TS photo)
☛ TS Possible gang ties in McKinleyville shooting 3/1/09
☛ TS Police continue investigation into McKinleyville slaying 2/26/09
☛ TS Sheriff's Office reports Sanders was inside trailer during shooting
☛ TS Police probe killing in McKinleyville 2/25/09
☛ TS Apparent murder in McKinleyville2/24/09
☛ TS comments thread
☛ HCSO Press Release2/24/09
***
UPDATE:
◼ Three in custody in Sanders case
Thirty-nine days after Ezra Sanders was gunned down in his McKinleyville trailer, three suspects are in custody and suspected of committing his murder.
Jeffrey Alan Burgess, 39, of Eureka; Ruben Anthony Peredia, 33, of Ukiah and Lukus Larry Mace, 31, of Arcata, were all booked into Humboldt County jail Friday on suspicion of murder and attempted armed robbery, according to investigators on the case....
...The case caught a break late last month when the Fortuna Police Department recovered a stolen green GMC truck. When Garey and Dunn looked through the stolen/embezzled vehicle report from CHP, they found Burgess listed as the primary suspect.
Mace and Peredia were both taken into custody in March on unrelated cases.
On March 13, Garey and Dunn served a search warrant on a home on Eureka's Lewis Avenue for the Sanders case, and took Mace into custody on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
Similarly, Peredia was taken into custody March 1, after he was involved in a car crash on Kneeland Heights Road that led to his arrest on two outstanding felony warrants, and suspicion of theft. In relation to the Sanders case, investigators also served a search warrant on Peredia's Higgins Street home in Eureka.
Then, this past Friday, after re-interviewing a number of witnesses, Dunn and Garey had Burgess come in for an interview, and they said the picture began to become clear.
”That interview led to his arrest for being the primary person involved (in Sanders' murder),” Dunn said, adding that after Burgess' arrest, Peredia and Mace, both already in custody, were also booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and murder for the Sanders case.
The story that Dunn and Garey have pieced together is that Mace, Ruben and Burgess allegedly conspired to drive from Eureka to McKinleyville in order to use a gun and a knife to rob Sanders, whom they knew, for drugs and money. When Sanders resisted, raising his fists to fight the three men, they allegedly shot him and fled the scene in a panic without taking anything....
...Both Dunn and Garey said assistance from a variety of agencies -- including CHP, the Arcata Police Department, the Trinidad Police Department, the Eureka Police Department, the Fortuna Police Department and the Department of Justice -- was integral in making the case.
According to information released by the Sheriff's Office, investigators are searching for a Chevrolet four-wheel-drive pickup truck from the 1990s, with a standard cab and a two-tone brown color....
The Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information about the vehicle or the case to contact Sheriff's Detective Troy Garey at 268-3643 or Humboldt County District Attorney investigator Steve Dunn at 445-7411.
☛ McK Press Homicide Update Photo of Ezra Charles Sanders, murder victim
(TS photo)☛ TS Possible gang ties in McKinleyville shooting 3/1/09
☛ TS Police continue investigation into McKinleyville slaying 2/26/09
☛ TS Sheriff's Office reports Sanders was inside trailer during shooting
Detectives with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office say an investigation into the Tuesday morning shooting death of Ezra Charles Sanders has revealed the 30-year-old man may have been shot inside his travel trailer.
Early Tuesday morning, Sanders was found deceased, lying across the front porch of his trailer with a single gunshot wound.
According to a Sheriff's Office press release, evidence shows Sanders was not killed in a drive-by shooting.
It appears, according to the release, Sanders walked out of his trailer after his was shot.
☛ TS Police probe killing in McKinleyville 2/25/09
Police began an investigation into the apparent murder of Ezra Charles Sanders, a 30-year-old man found dead Tuesday morning of a single gunshot wound at a McKinleyville trailer park.
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Brenda Godsey said that shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday, witnesses heard a single gunshot echo across the Murray Road trailer park.
When authorities arrived they found Sanders lying outside his trailer. Medical responders later concluded he was apparently shot once by an unknown caliber handgun, Godsey said.
Investigators began interviewing witnesses, who described hearing a vehicle pull up to Sanders' trailer in the night. They reportedly heard the sound of a single gunshot, followed shortly after by the sound of a vehicle speeding away from the scene in an unknown direction, the Sheriff's Office reported. Trailer park residents reportedly approached Sanders' small travel trailer and found him lying across his front porch.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to the call the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office at 445-7251.
☛ TS Apparent murder in McKinleyville2/24/09
☛ TS comments thread
☛ HCSO Press Release2/24/09
***
UPDATE:
◼ Three in custody in Sanders case
Thirty-nine days after Ezra Sanders was gunned down in his McKinleyville trailer, three suspects are in custody and suspected of committing his murder.
Jeffrey Alan Burgess, 39, of Eureka; Ruben Anthony Peredia, 33, of Ukiah and Lukus Larry Mace, 31, of Arcata, were all booked into Humboldt County jail Friday on suspicion of murder and attempted armed robbery, according to investigators on the case....
...The case caught a break late last month when the Fortuna Police Department recovered a stolen green GMC truck. When Garey and Dunn looked through the stolen/embezzled vehicle report from CHP, they found Burgess listed as the primary suspect.
Mace and Peredia were both taken into custody in March on unrelated cases.
On March 13, Garey and Dunn served a search warrant on a home on Eureka's Lewis Avenue for the Sanders case, and took Mace into custody on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
Similarly, Peredia was taken into custody March 1, after he was involved in a car crash on Kneeland Heights Road that led to his arrest on two outstanding felony warrants, and suspicion of theft. In relation to the Sanders case, investigators also served a search warrant on Peredia's Higgins Street home in Eureka.
Then, this past Friday, after re-interviewing a number of witnesses, Dunn and Garey had Burgess come in for an interview, and they said the picture began to become clear.
”That interview led to his arrest for being the primary person involved (in Sanders' murder),” Dunn said, adding that after Burgess' arrest, Peredia and Mace, both already in custody, were also booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and murder for the Sanders case.
The story that Dunn and Garey have pieced together is that Mace, Ruben and Burgess allegedly conspired to drive from Eureka to McKinleyville in order to use a gun and a knife to rob Sanders, whom they knew, for drugs and money. When Sanders resisted, raising his fists to fight the three men, they allegedly shot him and fled the scene in a panic without taking anything....
...Both Dunn and Garey said assistance from a variety of agencies -- including CHP, the Arcata Police Department, the Trinidad Police Department, the Eureka Police Department, the Fortuna Police Department and the Department of Justice -- was integral in making the case.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Yohan Lopez found guilty on all counts
☛ TS Lopez found guilty on all counts in first degree murder case
A jury this morning found 31-year-old Yohan Lopez guilty of first degree murder in the 1998 slaying of 18-year-old Ryan Matthew Dunn, along with the special allegations of lying in wait and causing death by using a firearm.
Dunn was shot outside a Eureka video store. Lopez and Dunn reportedly had several confrontations before the shooting.
Lopez was also convicted of separate counts of possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell.
Efren Delgadillo, Lopez' cousin, was also implicated in the shooting. Delgadillo is believed to have died in a car fire in Mexico several years ago. Lopez was returned to Humboldt County in November 2007 after being arrested on a DUI charge in Stanislaus County.
Yohan Lopez' brother, Santiago Lopez, was caught within weeks of the shooting and sentenced to two years in prison for being an accessory to murder.
Yohan Lopez was returned to the Humboldt County jail while he awaits sentencing...
...(Public Defender Jonathan) McCrone said he anticipates filing an appeal immediately....
Score 1 for Klein.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Judge issues gag order in murder case
Court documents point to James Robert Stanko as the man who allegedly stabbed Eureka resident Andrew Pease, 36, to death in the parking lot of a Eureka grocery store during a spree of armed robberies committed with an accomplice earlier this month.
Stanko, 26, and John Lewis Way, 30, were both arrested Feb. 6, and have since been charged with murder, robbery and five counts of attempted robbery. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and remain held in Humboldt County jail on $1 million bail.
”On (Feb. 6, 2009) at about 18:25 hours, Way and Stanko were implicated in seven different robberies throughout Eureka in less than a one hour period,” reads a declaration of probable cause written by Eureka Police Detective Todd Wilcox. “Stanko used a knife to assault their final victim and inflicted serious injuries that the victim died from a short time later. I believe this based on witness statements and Way's admissions/statement.”
Visiting Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith granted a defense request for a gag order Wednesday, forbidding any attorneys involved with the case, their employees, investigating agencies and county employees from publicly talking about the facts or circumstances of the case. Anyone who violates the order can be held in contempt of court....
...The defendants could also face the death penalty if District Attorney Paul Gallegos chooses to pursue it. Gallegos, who is out of the office this week, has yet to announce how he intends to proceed, but has said it is not a decision he will take lightly.
One of a litany of factors often considered by prosecutors when deciding whether to pursue capital punishment is the defendant's list of prior felony convictions. According to Humboldt County Superior Court records, Stanko and Way have priors.
Stanko, according to records, was charged with DUI and flight from a traffic officer in 2006, and later agreed to plead no contest to a reckless driving charge. Stanko was due back in court today on a charge of violating the terms of his probation from that offense before his latest arrest.
Way, according to court records, has been named in almost a half dozen cases over the past decade.
In July 1999, Way was alleged to have assaulted four people with a knife and later pleaded guilty to a charge of assault and three charges of false imprisonment and was given a six year suspended sentence.
In April 2006, according to court records, Way was convicted of charges of driving under the influence and on a suspended or revoked license. Then, in April 2008, Way was arrested on suspicion of driving on a suspended license. A conviction on the later charge amounted to a probation violation for Way, and he was sentenced in October 2008 to serve a 30-day jail sentence.
Due to public records laws, the Humboldt County jail could not disclose when Way was last released from custody. Way and Stanko are scheduled to be back in court Feb. 26 for their preliminary hearing on the current charges of murder, robbery and attempted robbery.
☛ TS Judge issues gag order in murder case 2/20/09
☛TS Murder arraignment closed to the public 2/12/09
☛ TS One man dead after a rash of robberies in Eureka 2/9/09
☛ TS EPD seeks witnesses in fatal stabbing case 2/10/09
☛ TS Any moment 2/10/09
☛ TS Witnesses make the difference 2/11/09
☛ TS Two robbery spree suspects charged; arraignment today 2/11/09
☛ JN Witness recounts stabbing death 2/12/09
☛ TS An unfinished song: Memorial service scheduled Saturday 2/13/09
Stanko, 26, and John Lewis Way, 30, were both arrested Feb. 6, and have since been charged with murder, robbery and five counts of attempted robbery. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and remain held in Humboldt County jail on $1 million bail.
”On (Feb. 6, 2009) at about 18:25 hours, Way and Stanko were implicated in seven different robberies throughout Eureka in less than a one hour period,” reads a declaration of probable cause written by Eureka Police Detective Todd Wilcox. “Stanko used a knife to assault their final victim and inflicted serious injuries that the victim died from a short time later. I believe this based on witness statements and Way's admissions/statement.”
Visiting Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith granted a defense request for a gag order Wednesday, forbidding any attorneys involved with the case, their employees, investigating agencies and county employees from publicly talking about the facts or circumstances of the case. Anyone who violates the order can be held in contempt of court....
...The defendants could also face the death penalty if District Attorney Paul Gallegos chooses to pursue it. Gallegos, who is out of the office this week, has yet to announce how he intends to proceed, but has said it is not a decision he will take lightly.
One of a litany of factors often considered by prosecutors when deciding whether to pursue capital punishment is the defendant's list of prior felony convictions. According to Humboldt County Superior Court records, Stanko and Way have priors.
Stanko, according to records, was charged with DUI and flight from a traffic officer in 2006, and later agreed to plead no contest to a reckless driving charge. Stanko was due back in court today on a charge of violating the terms of his probation from that offense before his latest arrest.
Way, according to court records, has been named in almost a half dozen cases over the past decade.
In July 1999, Way was alleged to have assaulted four people with a knife and later pleaded guilty to a charge of assault and three charges of false imprisonment and was given a six year suspended sentence.
In April 2006, according to court records, Way was convicted of charges of driving under the influence and on a suspended or revoked license. Then, in April 2008, Way was arrested on suspicion of driving on a suspended license. A conviction on the later charge amounted to a probation violation for Way, and he was sentenced in October 2008 to serve a 30-day jail sentence.
Due to public records laws, the Humboldt County jail could not disclose when Way was last released from custody. Way and Stanko are scheduled to be back in court Feb. 26 for their preliminary hearing on the current charges of murder, robbery and attempted robbery.
☛ TS Judge issues gag order in murder case 2/20/09
☛TS Murder arraignment closed to the public 2/12/09
☛ TS One man dead after a rash of robberies in Eureka 2/9/09
☛ TS EPD seeks witnesses in fatal stabbing case 2/10/09
☛ TS Any moment 2/10/09
☛ TS Witnesses make the difference 2/11/09
☛ TS Two robbery spree suspects charged; arraignment today 2/11/09
☛ JN Witness recounts stabbing death 2/12/09
☛ TS An unfinished song: Memorial service scheduled Saturday 2/13/09
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Witness testimony begins (and ends) for defense of murder suspect w/Update
☛ TS Witness testimony concludes in 1998 murder trial
Gunshot residue was found on the hand of the victim in a decade-old murder case, according to the sole witness for the defense who testified Wednesday.... Criminologist Steven Dowell of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office testified about four samples taken from the hands of murder victim Ryan Matthew Dunn, an 18-year-old Eureka man killed on Jan. 4, 1998. Dowell said the samples do not necessarily show that Dunn had fired a gun.... Closing arguments begin today, after which, the jury will begin deliberation.
☛ TS Witness testimony begins today for defense of murder suspect 2/18/09
The people rested their case Tuesday, after the prosecution's last witness testified in the case against Yohan Lopez for the 1998 murder of a Eureka teenager....
Witnesses - Humboldt County evidence technician William Walser
The trial continues..., with the first of the witnesses testifying for the defense. Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson told the jury Tuesday that deliberations will most likely begin early next week.
Today is the 19th. This trial began Monday, the 9th. Monday the 16th was a holiday. So the "People" (Arnie Klein) wrapped up their (murder) case in 6 days. The Defense called one witness, one day, and the case is over. Impressive.
Related:
☛ TS Lopez found guilty on all counts in first degree murder case 2/24/09
A jury this morning found 31-year-old Yohan Lopez guilty of first degree murder in the 1998 slaying of 18-year-old Ryan Matthew Dunn, along with the special allegations of lying in wait and causing death by using a firearm.
Dunn was shot outside a Eureka video store. Lopez and Dunn reportedly had several confrontations before the shooting.
Lopez was also convicted of separate counts of possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell.
Efren Delgadillo, Lopez' cousin, was also implicated in the shooting. Delgadillo is believed to have died in a car fire in Mexico several years ago. Lopez was returned to Humboldt County in November 2007 after being arrested on a DUI charge in Stanislaus County.
Yohan Lopez' brother, Santiago Lopez, was caught within weeks of the shooting and sentenced to two years in prison for being an accessory to murder.
Yohan Lopez was returned to the Humboldt County jail while he awaits sentencing.
☛ TS Testimony continues in Day 4 of Lopez 2/12/09
☛ TS Suspect's ex-girlfriend testifies in day three of murder trial 2/12//09
☛ TS Victim's girlfriend testifies in second day of 1998 murder trial 2/11/09
☛ TS Trial begins in decade-old murder case 2/10/09
☛ TS Homicide suspect facing trial for killing teen 12/21/07
☛ TS Suspect in 1998 shooting returned to Humboldt County
☛ TS Second of three suspects in 1998 homicide arrested 11/07/07
☛ TS 2007: The year in review
Friday, February 13, 2009
Heinous?
The Death Penalty? For the guys accused of stabbing, murdering really, Andrew Pease in the culmination of a string of five robberies? In front of witnesses.
The DA hasn't made up his mind because "it should be reserved for only the most heinous of crimes."
A-a-nd murder is...somehow NOT?
The DA hasn't made up his mind because "it should be reserved for only the most heinous of crimes."
A-a-nd murder is...somehow NOT?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Way/Stanko, Pease Murder Case Coverage w/UPDATES
☛TS Murder arraignment closed to the public 2/12/09
Two men alleged to have stabbed a Eureka man to death during a robbery spree were arraigned in a hearing closed to the public Wednesday on charges of robbery, attempted robbery and murder, according to Humboldt County Sheriff's spokeswoman Brenda Godsey.
John Lewis Way, 30, and James Robert Stanko, 26, are alleged to have committed a string of five robberies and attempted robberies over a 25-minute span Friday night -- a string that culminated in Andrew Pease, 36, of Eureka, being stabbed to death in the parking lot of Ray's Food Place on Broadway.
In an arraignment held at the Humboldt County jail due to flooding in the Humboldt County courthouse, Stanko and Way were arraigned on charges of robbery, murder and five counts of attempted robbery, according to Godsey, who said she did not know whether the men entered pleas.
A Times-Standard request to attend the proceeding was denied by jail administrators, who cited security concerns. Numerous calls placed to members of the District Attorney's Office seeking the outcome of the arraignment were not returned, and those who were reached said they did not know.
The courthouse was closed and evacuated Wednesday afternoon due to mass flooding reportedly caused by a faulty valve in a second-floor bathroom. Arraignments scheduled to take place in the afternoon were moved to the jail, according to Godsey.
Because Way and Stanko are alleged to have committed murder in the course of a felony -- in this case an attempted robbery -- District Attorney Paul Gallegos said his office could choose to seek the death penalty in the case, but has yet to make that decision.
Related:
☛ HH Crime spree victim killed EPD Press release
☛ TS One man dead after a rash of robberies in Eureka 2/9/09
Three men were arrested Friday evening on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and homicide after a string of knife robberies over the course of one hour left a 36-year-old Eureka man dead....
...Eureka Police officers, with the assistance of Humboldt County Sheriff's Deputies, located the vehicle at the 1800 block of Buhne Drive in King Salmon. Three suspects were taken into custody, and a search warrant was later served.
Thirty-year-old John Lewis Way of Eureka, 27-year-old Daniel Joseph Dower of Nevada, and 26-year-old James Robert Stanko of Santa Cruz were all booked on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and homicide....
☛ TS EPD seeks witnesses in fatal stabbing case 2/10/09
☛ TS Any moment 2/10/09
☛ TS Witnesses make the difference 2/11/09
☛ TS Two robbery spree suspects charged; arraignment today 2/11/09
☛ JN Witness recounts stabbing death 2/12/09
☛ TS An unfinished song: Memorial service scheduled Saturday 2/13/09
...Way and Stanko pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, robbery and five counts of attempted robbery during a Wednesday arraignment that was closed to the public due to flooding at the courthouse. They remain held in Humboldt County jail on $1 million bail, and are due back in court today for a bail hearing.
Meanwhile, Andrew Pease's family and friends are left confronting lives irrevocably changed, and remembering the man they glowingly described as genuine, kind and unflinchingly devoted to his family.
☛ TS Judge issues gag order in murder case 2/20/09
Pled out:
◼ Stanko pleads in Pease's murder; Eureka man to be sentenced to 26 years to life in prison in plea deal
On the eve of trial, James Robert Stanko pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of murder in an agreement that will see him sentenced to 26 years to life in state prison for his role in the Feb. 6, 2009, stabbing death of Andrew Pease.
With jury selection slated to begin Wednesday in his trial, Stanko entered into a plea agreement with the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday in which he agreed to plead guilty to charges of murder, armed robbery and attempted armed robbery with a total prison term of 26 years to life, according to court minutes obtained from Humboldt County court records.
As a part of the plea, Stanko waived all rights to appeal, according to the minutes.
Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison declined to comment on the plea agreement Wednesday, citing a gag order that has been in place in the case since February 2009 and prohibits members of law enforcement, attorneys and court employees from discussing the case publicly. Stanko's attorney, public defender Kevin Robinson, did not return a Times-Standard phone call seeking comment.
Stanko, 28, and James Robert Way, 31, both of Eureka, were on an armed robbery spree through the city on Feb. 6, 2009, having committed six in less than an hour, before they arrived in the parking lot of Ray's Food Place on Broadway. There, they attempted to rob Pease, a 36-year-old Army veteran and father of two, who was working with a developmentally disabled teen at the time. The details of the altercation remain unclear, but Pease was reportedly stabbed 13 times and died within minutes as Way and Stanko fled the scene....
Way pleaded guilty in March to charges of voluntary manslaughter, armed robbery and attempted armed robbery. He was sentenced to serve 18 years, four months in prison.
Stanko, who police have fingered as the one who stabbed Pease, seemed poised to stand trial until entering into the plea agreement Wednesday....
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Trial begins in decade-old murder case
The trial began Monday for the suspect accused of killing of a Eureka teenager in 1998.
Yohan Perez Lopez is the second of three suspects arrested in connection with the killing of 18-year-old Ryan Matthew Dunn outside a video store in January of 1998.
Lopez' brother, Santiago Lopez, was arrested at a relative's home in Redwood City within weeks of the killing.
...The men allegedly shot Dunn after he refused to fight inside the video store. The men waited for Dunn outside and allegedly shot him when he exited the store.
Deputy District Attorney Arnold Klein and Public Defender Jonathan McCrone gave opening statements and named witnesses who will testify during the trial.
Among the witnesses are responding officer Detective Ron Harpham and former Eureka Police Department homicide investigator Dave Parris.
Eighteen items were also submitted into evidence, including aerial views of the crime scene and pictures of Dunn on his 18th birthday.
Lopez' former girlfriend and Dunn's former girlfriend, who was with him at the time of the murder, are expected to testify today. He is charged with first-degree murder and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.
☛TS Trial begins in decade-old murder case
Guess it must not be a slam dunk. Klein got the assignment.
Yohan Perez Lopez is the second of three suspects arrested in connection with the killing of 18-year-old Ryan Matthew Dunn outside a video store in January of 1998.
Lopez' brother, Santiago Lopez, was arrested at a relative's home in Redwood City within weeks of the killing.
...The men allegedly shot Dunn after he refused to fight inside the video store. The men waited for Dunn outside and allegedly shot him when he exited the store.
Deputy District Attorney Arnold Klein and Public Defender Jonathan McCrone gave opening statements and named witnesses who will testify during the trial.
Among the witnesses are responding officer Detective Ron Harpham and former Eureka Police Department homicide investigator Dave Parris.
Eighteen items were also submitted into evidence, including aerial views of the crime scene and pictures of Dunn on his 18th birthday.
Lopez' former girlfriend and Dunn's former girlfriend, who was with him at the time of the murder, are expected to testify today. He is charged with first-degree murder and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.
☛TS Trial begins in decade-old murder case
Guess it must not be a slam dunk. Klein got the assignment.
Rodney Groh Trial begins
Opening statements were made Monday in the first day of the trial of Rodney Groh, who is accused of killing George Giguere, his roommate at the time at the Budget Hotel.
An investigation by the Eureka Police Department alleges that Groh killed Giguere by beating him to death in a fight that originated over the television.
...The trial continues today and Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin will be submitting evidence for the prosecution.
☛TS Trial begins for man accused of killing his roommate
An investigation by the Eureka Police Department alleges that Groh killed Giguere by beating him to death in a fight that originated over the television.
...The trial continues today and Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin will be submitting evidence for the prosecution.
☛TS Trial begins for man accused of killing his roommate
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Watson, Belles plead not guilty, trial set for March 30
☛TS Watson, Belles plead not guilty
Two men arrested in December for their alleged connection to a drug-related home invasion robbery and homicide in Cutten pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Thursday.
Both Jonathan Henry Watson, 30, and Jason Leon Belles, 31, have been charged with murder, burglary, and robbery. Watson faces additional charges related to being a felon allegedly in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The charges were filed after 27-year-old Garrett Ryan Benson was shot and killed inside his home in Cutten on Dec. 3.
The two suspects will return to court for their pretrial, scheduled Feb. 10. Their jury trial has been set for March 30.
Only fair that Gallegos try this one himself. He who hath encouraged the pot trade....
Two men arrested in December for their alleged connection to a drug-related home invasion robbery and homicide in Cutten pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Thursday.
Both Jonathan Henry Watson, 30, and Jason Leon Belles, 31, have been charged with murder, burglary, and robbery. Watson faces additional charges related to being a felon allegedly in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The charges were filed after 27-year-old Garrett Ryan Benson was shot and killed inside his home in Cutten on Dec. 3.
The two suspects will return to court for their pretrial, scheduled Feb. 10. Their jury trial has been set for March 30.
Only fair that Gallegos try this one himself. He who hath encouraged the pot trade....
Friday, December 12, 2008
Arrest(s) made in Cutten killing
☛ TS Suspects in Cutten killing arrested in Shasta County 12/13/08
☛ TS Arrest made in Cutten killing
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office detectives, with assistance from a multi-agency task force, arrested a man in Shasta County on Thursday night in relation to the Dec. 3 killing of Garrett Benson.
☛ TS Second man arrested for Cutten killing
A second man has been arrested today in connection to the murder of 27-year-old Garrett Ryan Benson in his Cutten home.
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office reported that at 1:45 p.m., detectives arrested Jason Leon Belles, 31, at his home in Redding. Officials said Belles been booked into the Shasta County Jail on charges that include murder, robbery of an inhabited dwelling and conspiracy....
...The Sheriff's Office has confirmed the Cutten robbery was drug related. According to Sheriff's Office information there was a “significant” amount of marijuana growing in the house as well as a large amount of processed marijuana.
Sheriff's Office investigators remain in the Redding area to complete the investigation, the agency reported.
Investigators are asking the public to contact authorities if they recall seeing either Watson or Belles in the Eureka area on Dec. 2nd or 3rd.
Watson has several tattoos on his wrists and hands. A distinctive tattoo on his neck features a 1950s style vintage microphone. He is believed to have been driving a new black Chevrolet pickup truck....
◼ Murder Arrest
At about 7:00 p.m. this evening (12/11/08) law enforcement personnel arrested Jonathan Henry Watson, 30, in Cottonwood, California. Humboldt County Detectives had been in Shasta County since Monday, working with Redding Police Investigators. Watson will be booked into the Shasta County Jail on charges that include one count of murder; he will be transported to Humboldt County within a week. Additional information will be released later this week.
◼ Second Arrest in Murder Case
This afternoon at about 1:45 Humboldt County Sheriff’s Detectives, personnel with the Redding Police Department, and the Redding Fugitive Task Force served a warrant that had been issued only one hour prior. At his residence in Redding, law enforcement personnel arrested Jason Leon Belles, 31. Belles will be booked into the Shasta County Jail on charges that in include murder, robbery of an inhabited dwelling, and conspiracy.
Jonathan Henry Watson, 30, was booked into the Shasta County Jail last night after his arrest in Cottonwood at about 7:00 p.m. His charges include murder, robbery of an inhabited dwelling, false imprisonment, and burglary. He is expected to be transported to Humboldt County within a week.
The Sheriff’s Office is confirming the Cutten robbery was drug related. Inside the victim’s home there were growing marijuana plants and a large amount of marijuana processed for sales.
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Detectives remain in the Redding area completing their investigation. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is releasing photos of Belles and Watson. Watson has multiple colored tattoos on his wrists and hands. He also has a distinctive tattoo on his neck/throat of a 1950’s style vintage microphone (not visible in picture). Watson is associated with a newer black Chevrolet pickup truck. If anyone recalls seeing Watson or Belles in the Eureka area on December 2nd or 3rd, they are encouraged to call Detective Cheryl Franco or Sgt. Wayne Hanson at (707) 445-7251.
◼ WATSON, JONATHAN HENRY
◼ BELLES, JASON LEON
Comment on the TS site: G was a good guy and a very kind stoner. Not very often would a person doing the scale G did, would show compassion to his friends and kick down free smoke from time to time.
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